Kimberly Richards
Lake Panasoffkee,FL
Summary
Knowledgeable Career Technical Educator with strong background in teaching computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite and fostering digital literacy. Proven track record of developing engaging lesson plans and successfully integrating technology into classroom. Demonstrated ability to enhance student learning through interactive methods, small group instruction and critical thinking exercises.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Career Technical Education Teacher
Florida Department Of Corrections
04.2025 - Current
- Taught, modeled and evaluated student employability skills.
- Developed and prepared lessons and recommended curricula changes and supplemental materials.
- Participated in student performance evaluations.
- Reduced behavioral issues in the classroom by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing rules and consequences.
- Improved student comprehension by breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand terms.
- Maximized learning opportunities for students with diverse needs through differentiated instruction strategies.
- Implemented innovative teaching techniques to accommodate various learning styles and engage students more effectively in the learning process.
- Fostered a supportive classroom environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and expressing their ideas openly.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through inquiry-based teaching methods and real-world problem-solving exercises.
- Boosted test scores by providing targeted instruction and consistent feedback on student progress.
- Assisted in developing community linkages and partnerships.
- Evaluated student performance regularly using formative assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to address knowledge gaps or learning challenges.
- Kept updated with developments in subject area curriculum, technical, and career trends and teaching resources and methods.
- Provided instructional handouts, texts, audiovisual aids and other materials to facilitate learning.
- Advised students on course selection, career decisions and other academic and vocational concerns.
- Planned and implemented curriculum to teach up-to-date technology to 45 students.
Adult Basic Education Instructor
Florida Department Of Corrections
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by establishing strong rapport with students and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Maintained up-to-date records on student performance, using data to inform instructional strategies and adapt teaching methods as needed.
- Served as a mentor for new instructors, sharing expertise and guidance on effective teaching strategies for adult basic education classrooms.
- Contributed to higher retention rates through personalized tutoring sessions and close monitoring of at-risk students.
- Increased literacy skills among adult learners by designing engaging reading and writing activities tailored to their needs.
- Assisted in the development of curriculum materials that adhered to state standards while remaining engaging and relevant for adult learners.
- Promoted critical thinking skills in adult learners by incorporating real-world scenarios into lesson plans.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing various teaching methods and tailoring instruction to individual learning styles.
- Enhanced program effectiveness by participating in professional development opportunities and staying current on best practices in adult education.
- Prepared students for tests by teaching relevant concepts and enforcing good test-taking skills.
- Used positive reinforcement and provided clear feedback to help students succeed.
- Provided individual mentoring and special tutoring to struggling students.
- Employed variety of assessment tools and strategies to improve instruction methods.
- Facilitated class discussion to help students work through questions and expand understanding.
- Developed and maintained effective record keeping system for tracking learner attendance, participation and progress.
- Conducted group lectures and small-group instruction to teach and reinforce concepts.
- Encouraged students to deepen knowledge with additional learning opportunities.
- Balanced instruction, demonstration and personal work time for optimal student learning.
- Assessed work of adult students to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Supplemented instruction and increased student understanding with use of audio-visual equipment and other technology.
- Collaborated with other professionals to develop creative solutions to challenges faced by adult learners.
- Personalized instruction based on needs, interests and capabilities of individual students.
- Managed Continuing Professional Education course approvals and attendance reports for over [Number] students.
Pre-College ESOL Teacher
Atlantic Technical College
02.2022 - 03.2025
- Delivered engaging and informative lessons on English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation to adult English language learners.
- Carefully selected and organized course materials while differentiating lessons to meet the specific needs of students at various levels of English proficiency.
- Created and implemented lesson plans using a variety of creative educational approaches: activity-based, visual, aural and kinesthetic.
- Connected students to resources in our community such as health services, job placement services, and other helpful resources to help build their new life in America.
- Emphasized skills that will help students continue to college and/or find jobs, such as learning English words and common phrases used in the workplace.
- Soft-skills for employment were also part of daily instruction.
- Administered a variety of formal and informal assessments to measure student growth and mastery and to evaluate and refine instruction.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that reinforced key concepts across subject areas.
- Supported the integration of newly-arrived immigrant students into mainstream classrooms by providing resources and guidance for both teachers and learners.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and used data-driven instruction for continuous improvement of learning outcomes.
- Served as an advocate for ESOL students within the school community, promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity among staff and peers.
- Provided individualized support for students with diverse needs, tailoring instruction to accommodate varying language levels and learning styles.
- Improved classroom management by implementing clear guidelines, routines, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Enhanced professional development by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on best practices in English language teaching methodologies.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-life examples in lesson plans.
- Contributed to a positive school climate by actively participating in staff meetings, committees, and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement.
- Created and delivered engaging lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles.
- Facilitated small group and individual instruction to maximize student learning.
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction.
- Attended workshops to learn about student motivation and engaging learning activities.
- Boosted student engagement with diverse teaching methods, including group projects, hands-on activities, and technology integration.
- Mentored new teachers in effective ESOL instructional strategies to ensure their success within the school community.
Critical Thinking Skills Teacher
Hollywood Academy of Arts and Sciences
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Provided intensive remedial instruction to sixth-grade students with a focus on improving math and reading skills.
- Utilized whole group, small group and one-on-one instruction in Math, English Language Arts and critical thinking skills with social emotional curriculum.
- Utilized Reading Plus program to monitor students’ progress in reading comprehension and fluency.
- Utilized Imagine Math intervention program to help students improve their math skills.
- Worked with students' core subject teachers to monitor students’ performance in those classes and provided assistance and remediation for academic skills needing improvement.
- Monitored student progress with formal and informal assessments and utilized rewards programs for motivation.
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents through regular newsletters, conferences, and informal check-ins to keep them informed about their child''s progress and address any concerns promptly.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating multimedia presentations and interactive activities into lesson plans.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for individual students and tailored lesson plans accordingly, leading to increased academic achievement.
- Developed differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities, resulting in improved overall class performance.
English Language Arts/Reading Tutor
Independent Contracting
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Provided one-on-one and small group instruction to general education and special education elementary through high school students in English Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies.
- Implemented creative instructional strategies during lessons that led to an approximate 30% increase in students' reading comprehension scores.
- Coached students to strengthen grammar, spelling, paragraph writing, creative writing, and essay writing skills.
- Collaborated with students' guidance counselors, teachers, and therapists (OT & ST) to ensure adherence to school curriculum and state standards.
- Boosted student confidence in reading abilities by providing consistent support and encouragement.
- Identified learning needs and implemented fun and engaging learning activities to help students advance.
- Taught reading comprehension and writing tactics to improve reading and writing skills.
- Structured activities for interactive learning, reading understanding and fluency skills.
- Tracked learning progress to optimize tutoring methods and help students achieve goals.
- Built age-appropriate reading lists for students ages 5 to 17 based on student preferences and school curriculum.
K-8 Teacher
Able Academics
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided instruction for Kindergarten through 8th grade in English Language Arts and Social Studies, differentiating lessons to meet the specific needs of students with autism and developmental disabilities.
- Utilized instructional strategies based on Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) recommendations.
- Also, instructed general education students combined with students with autism in an inclusive first grade class.
- Whole group and center-based instruction for small classes comprising five to nine students.
- Created and implemented lesson plans using a variety of educational approaches.
- Worked closely with ABA therapists, speech and occupational therapists and other teachers to provide consistent structure throughout the day.
- Communicated and collaborated frequently with family members and caregivers of students.
Substitute Teacher and Short-Term Contract Teacher
Brevard Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2017
- Served in an on-call capacity at district schools as a substitute teacher.
- Served in short-term contract teaching positions in ESE/VE classrooms and full-time roles as a teacher's assistant and personal caregiver assistant.
- Followed primary teacher's lesson plans accordingly, distributed classwork and assignments, and ensured effective discipline and control.
- Provided instructions and organized the classroom environment to enhance student learning during the absence of regular teachers.
- Successfully maintained established routines and procedures for K-12 students; oversaw classrooms comprised of 20- 26 children.
- Taught a variety of lesson plans ranging diverse subjects; improvised lessons when necessary and possessed the capability of devising activities when needed.
- Promoted a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and positive for all participants.
- Maintained accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation; communicated with primary teacher on updates, student issues and behavior, and other feedback.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising And Public Relations
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL12-1998
Skills
- Workplace safety
- Teaching strategies
- Adaptive learning
- Career guidance
- Group and individual instruction
- Lesson plan development
- Problem-solving
- Classroom management
- Excellent communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Discipline management
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
Certification
Florida Professional Educator's Certificate (2025-2030)
Timeline
Career Technical Education Teacher
Florida Department Of Corrections
04.2025 - Current
Adult Basic Education Instructor
Florida Department Of Corrections
08.2024 - 04.2025
Pre-College ESOL Teacher
Atlantic Technical College
02.2022 - 03.2025
Critical Thinking Skills Teacher
Hollywood Academy of Arts and Sciences
01.2019 - 01.2021
English Language Arts/Reading Tutor
Independent Contracting
01.2019 - 01.2020
K-8 Teacher
Able Academics
01.2017 - 01.2019
Substitute Teacher and Short-Term Contract Teacher
Brevard Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising And Public Relations
University of Central Florida
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